Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis = swelling or inflammation of the conjunctiva; also called “pink eye”

Conjunctiva = thin and filmy membrane that covers the insides of the eyelids and sclera and is responsible for producing mucus to keep the surface of the eyes moist and protected

Common Symptoms

Redness in either or both of the eyes

Itching in either or both of the eyes

A feeling of grittiness in either or both of the eyes

Tearing

Increased mucus or pus production

Mildly blurred vision due to the increased mucus or pus production

A sensation of the presence of a foreign substance in either or both of the eyes

Eyelash crusting in the morning (may glue the eyes shut)

Risk Factors

Usage of extended wear contact lenses

Exposure to an allergen

Exposure to someone who has a bacterial or viral form of conjunctivitis

Causes

Bacterial Conjunctivitis

May be caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus or Streptococcus, which can be obtained through both indirect and direct contact with the eye secretions of someone else who’s infected with the disease

This form can thus be highly contagious

It can affect either or both of the eyes

This usually causes redness and increased yellow-green, thick pus production

Additionally, there may also be eyelash crusting that results in the eyes being glued shut in the morning

This is more common in children than adults

Viral Conjunctivitis

As with bacterial conjunctivitis, this can be spread through both indirect and direct contact with the eye secretions of someone else who’s infected with the disease

This form can thus be highly contagious

It can affect either or both of the eyes

This usually causes redness and a watery discharge

This virus is also responsible for the sore throat and runny nose experienced by those who have the common cold

The symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to two weeks before going away on their own

Allergic Conjunctivitis

This is neither infectious nor contagious

This is caused by exposure to an allergen, usually pollen, pet dander, or other environmental irritants

This usually causes itchiness in either or both of the eyes, in addition to redness, tearing, burning, and puffiness of the eyelids; swollenness is occasional

Environmental Irritants

The irritants are usually smoke or similar fumes

They are responsible for the burning and irritation that comes with the condition

Infectious Conjunctivitis

Whether bacterial or viral in causation and nature, there are various ways for the condition to become contagious:

Not washing the hands often enough and touching the eyes with them

The reuse of tissues and/or towels when wiping the eyes and face

Poor cleaning and maintenance of contact lenses or the usage of poorly fitting contact lenses or other types of contacts

The usage of infected eye makeup

Children are the most susceptible to catching an infectious form of the disease due to close and extended contact with many other people

Diagnosis

A routine eye examination is usually all it takes to diagnose the disease

This is supplemented by telling the ophthalmologist of how the symptoms gradually developed or suddenly appeared, and whether the patient has been exposed to anyone else who had the symptoms of pink eye

Laboratory Analysis

The doctor will use a cotton swab to collect a sample of eye secretions from the conjunctiva

The sample will be analyzed to determine the cause of the disease, whether it was bacterial or viral

This is usually done only when the patient is experiencing and suffering from a severe case of the disease, the corneas have been impacted, or there have been multiple infections that have not responded favorably to treatment

Treatment

Treatment for Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Antibiotic eyedrops are prescribed as a means of treatment and further testing for the nature of the cause of the disease (viral or bacterial), due to the difficulty of differentiating them from each other

These eyedrops will hasten the healing process and reduce the contagion of the condition

Antibiotic ointments can be substituted for eyedrops due to the easier administration of ointment to young children and infants

The ointment may blur the child’s vision for up to 20 minutes after its application

Treatment for Viral Conjunctivitis

There is no treatment for most cases of the viral form of this malady

It doesn’t respond to antibiotic eyedrops, which makes that method of treatment useful for discerning it from the bacterial incarnation

The virus will go away on its own after two weeks of initial infection

Usually, the only necessary treatment is the use of cool compresses that are applied to the eye (s) and cool artificial tears

Antiviral medications can be prescribed in those cases in which it was caused by the Herpes simplex virus

Anti-inflammatory eyedrops can also be prescribed for severe cases

Treatment for Allergic Conjunctivitis

As with the treatment method for the viral form of conjunctivitis, cool compresses and cool artificial tears, along with allergy eyedrops, can be applied to relieve discomfort

Methods of Preventing the Contagion

Wash the hands often and avoid touching the eyes with them

Avoid the reuse of tissues and cloths to wipe the face and eyes

Change pillowcases regularly

Regularly replace any eye cosmetics that are used with new ones and refrain from sharing them with other people

Utilize the proper cleaning and maintenance protocols for contact lenses

Follow the correct instructions as to how to properly and safely get rid of the disposable ones